The song of the day for Monday, August 28, 2023, is “Small World.”
About Today
Fifty-five years ago, on August 28, 1962, Tony Bennett and Dave Brubeck performed in a concert honoring that year’s White House interns. The concert got so much attention that it had to moved from The White House Rose Garden to the Mall by the Washington Monument. Dave Brubeck, with his trio, performed first, followed by his trio, and ended up with an improv session with Brubeck, with Joe Morello (drums) and Eugene Wright (bass) from Brubeck’s trio.
Today we’re featuring a song from Bennett’s set, with The Ralph Trio (Sharon on drums, Hal Gaylord on bass, and Billy Exiner on drums). William B. Williams, a DJ on New York’s WNEW introduced Tony Bennett and his trio:
About This Song
“Small World” was written by Jule Styne, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, in 1959 for the Broadway musical Gypsy. “Small World” is sung by Rose and Herbie, who has the misfortune to fall in love with Rose. Gypsy is arguably the best musical ever written and has been revived many times on Broadway.
About This Version
Tony Bennett recorded “Small World” on August 28, 1962, released on Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions Live 1962.
The recording of the concert was long thought lost. Thankfully, it was found in the Columbia/Sony Records archive in the Classical section and finally released on May 28, 2013.
“Small World,” as well as Bennett/Brubeck: The White House Sessions, Live 1962
is available on Apple Music.
Please feel free to leave a comment